Choosing a Fireplace Surround
The best surround can add a sense of style to your living space, whether you use it for warmth or to enhance your aesthetics. However, choosing a fireplace surround that meets code and is safe can be a daunting task.
These custom-built surrounds are made of non-combustible materials that adhere to the National Fire Code. They look fantastic in any style of home.
Simple Concrete Surround with Slabs of Marble
A fireplace surround can be a focal point within a room and it can provide warmth and a sense of style. It is made using a selection of materials and be designed to match different styles of design. Before choosing a fireplace design it is essential to take into consideration the style and the budget of the room.
Marble fireplace surrounds give an elegant look that is compatible with a variety of design styles. They can be combined with rustic woods as well as modern metals to create a distinctive, modern design. Marble is easy to maintain, and can withstand high temperature, making it a great choice for a surround.
Stone is a classic fireplace surround material that has a timeless appeal and can be used in a variety of homes. It can be carved or etched for an updated look, or left untouched to give it a classic look. Stacked stone veneers may also be used to add texture and depth to a room.
Granite is a popular choice for modern surrounds around fireplaces. It's tough and able to stand up to heat well. It is also available in a variety of patterns and colors, making it a great choice to create a variety of styles. Quartzite can also be made into a shape and molded to fit the modern design of a surround.
The installation of a concrete surround for a fireplace may be a possibility for DIYers. This task may seem daunting, but it can be more simple than you imagine when you collaborate with professionals and think ahead.
A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace surround because it requires a lot of attention to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter will help you avoid making mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.
If you are planning to use tile for a fireplace surround, you must make sure that it is rated for high temperatures. This information is usually found on the packaging, or you can ask an employee in an improvement store for.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround can transform the look of a room. It is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also serves a practical function. It shields the wall behind the fire place from damage and also reflects heat back into the room. It is available in a variety materials and can be adapted for any style or decor.
The right material to use for a leaning frame surround is key to creating an aesthetic that is purposeful. Concrete is a good choice due to its durability, nonflammable and has a lot of visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. It's usually put into a mold, giving you the opportunity to design a unique shape for your fireplace surround.
Layers are important when creating your leaning frames. This helps the piece look deliberate and thoughtful instead of being randomly placed on the wall or on the shelf. Leaning frames are dangerous and should be avoided if you plan on displaying heavier objects like lamps or vases, place a small piece of rubber drawer liner underneath the base to keep them from slipping or damaging surfaces.
Consider adding a wooden board to the bottom of a concrete or marble surround. This will help to keep it in place. It can also help reduce the weight of the object and prevent it from shifting when you're enjoying a nice cup of coffee or wine in front of your fireplace.
After you have chosen the material, it is time to construct the actual piece. Mark the wall with the dimensions for your surround. Then, using a saw, cut cleats along each mark. Ensure that the top cleat is at least one foot longer than the shelf.
Fix the brackets to the wall. Make sure that the bolts are inserted into the backerboard and into the stud. If needed, drill the screw holes. Then, you can temporarily secure the mantel to the backer board. Screw the mantel with lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure the bolts are sufficient to cover 2/3 of the mantel's thickness + the thickness of the backer board.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds play a useful and decorative function. They protect walls from damage caused by heat and help deflect some heat back into the room, and can create a fireplace that is an attraction in a space. Metal and wood are the most commonly used materials used to construct fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds can be required by building codes to guard the surrounding areas from combustibles or they may simply enhance the look of a fireplace to make it look complete.
This fireplace is a contemporary living room that has a black surround and white marble accents. The stone is a higher-end material that requires more care than a wooden mantel, but it adds a dramatic and striking design element to the space. The black finish also brings to the dark hues of the furniture and wood flooring to create a cohesive appearance.
Concrete isn't just used for driveways and sidewalks. It's also a beautiful and versatile material that can be used to enclose fireplaces. It can be poured in place and shaped into any shape, giving you almost limitless design possibilities. This concrete surround was cut to create a curved design. It has an elegant and contemporary look that contrasts with the darker shades of the brick wall and flooring.
Wood is another popular choice for fireplace surrounds. It comes in a variety of textures and colors that can be incorporated into any decor. Wooden surrounds are less heavy and less expensive than masonry surrounds and they can be finished to match the color of your existing hearth pad. The majority of wooden surrounds are designed to accommodate ornaments for the mantel, including lamps and vase.
Some wood surrounds include an edging that covers the top of the mantel and houses the fireplace doors. This plate can be affixed using decorative hinges or fasteners that can mimic the look of wrought iron.
It is important to take into account the dimensions of your fireplace when selecting a mantel made of wood. Building codes specify minimum clearance distances to prevent the spread of a fire into the home. This distance will vary depending on the type of fireplace, and can also change from country to country or state to state.
Simple Wood Surround
There are a variety of options for surrounds to give your fireplace a classic look. Some surrounds are made from solid oak, while others include stone legs with pine or oak mantels. You can also pick from oak or pine fire surrounds which are designed to be a cost-effective and easy choice.
Many people opt to purchase a pre-made wood fireplace surround because it is an inexpensive way to get the look that they want without the expense of the services of carpenters. Some pre-made fireplace surrounds made from pine are available in a range of different finishes so that you can make it a part of your existing decor.
A wood fire surround that is hand-crafted constructed from top quality oak is also very popular. It can be stained with a light oak color or left untreated to ensure that the natural golden brown of wood shows through. This fireplace surround can be used with either wood or gas fires. It comes in two styles: flat or arched.
For those of you who have more experience in DIY home improvement projects, there are plenty of tutorials online that can help you to make your own wooden fire surround. One example is this thorough step-by-step tutorial from H2O Bungalow which teaches you how to construct an authentic wood surround using pine.
The tutorial will show you how to construct the horizontal part of the fireplace surround first, then how to build the vertical pilasters or columns that support the mantel. Once the pilasters or columns are finished then you can place your mantel. Finally, the tutorial shows you how to add the crown molding that will fill in any gaps between the cladding and the surrounding wall.
It is crucial to adhere to the local fire code when you install a wooden surround around the fireplace. It is recommended to keep the surround at least 6 inches away from the edge of the opening. Use a non-flammable glue join the decorative molding to the surround and ensure it is held in the proper position.